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What's Your Goal?

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Lauren Singer

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Goal Setting Lesson Plan

Students will define what a goal is, identify different types of goals (short-term vs. long-term), and apply the SMART goal framework to set a personal goal.

Goal setting is a crucial life skill that empowers students to plan for success, stay motivated, and achieve their aspirations both inside and outside the classroom.

Audience

5th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and guided activity.

Materials

  • Goal Setting Slides, * Warm Up: Dream Big!, * My SMART Goal Worksheet, * Cool Down: Goal Check-In, and * Pencils/Pens

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review all generated materials: Goal Setting Lesson Plan, Goal Setting Slides, Warm Up: Dream Big!, My SMART Goal Worksheet, and Cool Down: Goal Check-In.
  • Print one copy of the My SMART Goal Worksheet per student.
  • Ensure projector/screen is set up for the slide deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Dream Big!

5 minutes

Begin the lesson by engaging students with the Warm Up: Dream Big! activity. Encourage a few students to share their dreams.

  • Teacher Script: "Good morning, future leaders! To kick things off, let's think big. If you could achieve one amazing thing by the end of this school year, what would it be? Big or small, what's a dream you have for yourself? Turn and share with a partner, then we'll hear from a few of you."

Step 2

Introduction to Goals

5 minutes

Transition to the concept of goals using the Goal Setting Slides.

  • Teacher Script: "Those are some fantastic dreams! Today, we're going to talk about how to turn those dreams into goals. What do you think a 'goal' is? Why do you think it's important to set them? Let's look at our slides to learn more."
  • Present slides defining goals and their importance.

Step 3

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals

5 minutes

Continue with the Goal Setting Slides to differentiate between short-term and long-term goals.

  • Teacher Script: "Not all goals are the same. Some are things we want to do quickly, and others take more time. We call these 'short-term' and 'long-term' goals. Can anyone give an example of a short-term goal? How about a long-term one?"
  • Present slides discussing short-term and long-term goals and brainstorm examples with students.

Step 4

SMART Goals: The Toolkit

5 minutes

Introduce the SMART goal framework using the Goal Setting Slides.

  • Teacher Script: "Now that we know what goals are, how can we make sure our goals are ones we can actually achieve? There's a super helpful tool called SMART goals! Each letter helps us make our goals really powerful. Let's break down what each letter means."
  • Go through each letter of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) using the slides, providing clear explanations and simple examples for each.

Step 5

Activity: My SMART Goal

7 minutes

Distribute the My SMART Goal Worksheet and guide students through setting their own SMART goal.

  • Teacher Script: "You've learned the SMART goal secret! Now it's your turn to try it out. I'm handing out the My SMART Goal Worksheet. Think about one of those dreams you shared earlier, or a new goal you have. Use the worksheet to make it SMART. I'll walk around to help if you get stuck."
  • Circulate around the room, providing individual support and checking for understanding.

Step 6

Cool Down: Goal Check-In

3 minutes

Conclude the lesson with a reflection using the Cool Down: Goal Check-In.

  • Teacher Script: "Amazing work everyone! Before we wrap up, let's do a quick 'Goal Check-In'. Think about the goal you just set, or something new you learned about goals today. Share one thing you're excited about or one new idea you have with your shoulder partner."
  • Facilitate a brief whole-class share-out if time allows, reinforcing key concepts.
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Slide Deck

What's Your Goal?

Turning Dreams into Achievable Plans!

Welcome students and introduce the lesson's main idea: turning dreams into goals.

What is a Goal?

A goal is something you want to achieve or get done. It's like a target you aim for!

Why are goals important?

  • They give us direction.
  • They help us learn and grow.
  • They make us feel proud when we reach them!

Ask students: "What do you think a goal is?" Take a few responses before revealing the definition. Emphasize why goals are important.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals

Short-Term Goals:

  • Can be achieved quickly (days, weeks).
  • Examples: Finish a book, learn a new math skill, organize your desk.

Long-Term Goals:

  • Take more time and effort (months, years).
  • Examples: Learn to code, become a strong swimmer, get into a specific middle school.

Discuss the difference between short-term and long-term goals. Ask students for examples of each from their own lives (e.g., finishing homework tonight vs. learning to play a new instrument).

Introducing SMART Goals

How can we make sure our goals are ones we can actually achieve and feel good about?

We can make them SMART!

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound

Introduce the SMART acronym as a tool. Explain that each letter represents a quality that makes a goal effective. Mention that we'll break down each letter.

S is for Specific

Specific: Your goal should be clear and focused. It should answer:

  • What exactly do I want to achieve?
  • Why is this goal important?
  • Who is involved?
  • Where will it happen?

Instead of: "I want to get better grades."
Try: "I want to improve my science grade to an A by studying for 30 minutes every day."

Explain 'Specific' with an example. Ask students to think about how they could make a general goal like 'get better at reading' more specific.

M is for Measurable

Measurable: You need a way to track your progress and know when you've reached your goal. It should answer:

  • How much?
  • How many?
  • How will I know when it is accomplished?

Instead of: "I want to read more."
Try: "I want to read one new chapter book every two weeks."

Explain 'Measurable'. Emphasize how we can track progress. Ask: "How would you measure if you're getting better at playing soccer?"

A is for Achievable

Achievable: Your goal should be realistic and something you can actually accomplish with effort. It should answer:

  • Is this goal realistic?
  • Do I have the skills/resources to reach it?

Instead of: "I want to fly to the moon next week."
Try: "I want to save $10 a week for a new video game by doing extra chores."

Explain 'Achievable'. Discuss the importance of setting goals that are challenging but possible. Ask: "Is it achievable for a 5th grader to run a marathon tomorrow? Why or why not?"

R is for Relevant

Relevant: Your goal should be important to you and align with what you want for yourself. It should answer:

  • Is this goal worthwhile?
  • Does it align with my values?

Instead of: "My friend wants me to join the chess club."
Try: "I want to join the chess club because I enjoy strategy games and want to learn new skills."

Explain 'Relevant'. Connect it to personal importance and values. Ask: "Why is it important that your goal matters to you?"

T is for Time-bound

Time-bound: Your goal needs a deadline or a target date. This helps you stay focused and motivated. It should answer:

  • When will I achieve this goal?
  • What is the deadline?

Instead of: "I will clean my room eventually."
Try: "I will clean my entire room by Saturday afternoon so I can play with my friends."

Explain 'Time-bound'. Highlight the need for a deadline to create urgency. Ask: "What happens if a goal doesn't have a deadline?"

Your Turn! Set a SMART Goal!

Now it's your turn to put the SMART goal framework into action!

Think about a goal you want to achieve. It could be for school, a hobby, or something at home.

Use your My SMART Goal Worksheet to make your goal SMART!

Transition to the worksheet activity. Remind students to think of a personal goal they want to work on and apply the SMART framework.

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Warm Up

Warm Up: Dream Big!

Instructions: Think about one amazing thing you want to achieve by the end of this school year. It can be big or small! Then, share your dream with a partner. We'll hear from a few of you.

My School Year Dream:







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Worksheet

My SMART Goal Worksheet

Name: ____________________________

Step 1: My Dream/Goal Idea

What is one dream or goal you have for yourself (for school, a hobby, or at home)?






Step 2: Make it SMART!

Let's turn your idea into a SMART goal using the questions below.

S - Specific: What exactly do I want to achieve? Why is this goal important? Who is involved? Where will it happen?






M - Measurable: How will I track my progress? How will I know when I have accomplished it? (Think numbers or clear actions!)






A - Achievable: Is this goal realistic for me to achieve with effort? Do I have the skills or resources, or can I get them?






R - Relevant: Is this goal important to me? Does it matter to what I want to do or learn?






T - Time-bound: When will I achieve this goal? What is my deadline?






Step 3: My SMART Goal Statement

Now, write your complete SMART goal here, combining all your specific details!

My SMART Goal Is:












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Cool Down

Cool Down: Goal Check-In

Instructions: Take a moment to reflect on today's lesson.

  1. What is one new thing you learned about setting goals today?



  2. What is one SMART goal you are excited to work on, or one challenge you might face?



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